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Impetigo Updated 3/2011

Elisabeth L. Backer, MD
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BASICS

  • Description
  • Epidemiology
  • Risk Factors
  • General Prevention
  • Etiology
  • Associated Conditions

DIAGNOSIS

  • Signs and Symptoms
  • Tests
  • Differential Diagnosis

TREATMENT

  • Medication (Drugs)
  • Additional Treatment

Ongoing Care

  • Follow-Up Recommendations
  • Patient Education
  • Prognosis
  • Complications
The following is an excerpt....
BASICS
Description
  • A contagious, superficial, intraepidermal infection occurring prominently on exposed areas of the face and extremities
  • Affected patients usually have multiple lesions.
  • Cultures positive in >80% cases for Staphylococcus aureus either alone or combined with group A β-hemolytic streptococci; S. aureus more common pathogen since 1990s
  • Nonbullous impetigo: Formation of vesiculopustules that rupture, leading to crusting with a characteristic golden appearance; local lymphadenopathy may occur.
  • Bullous impetigo: Staphylococcal impetigo that progresses rapidly to small to large flaccid bullae (newborns/young children) caused by epidermolytic toxin release; less lymphadenopathy; <30% of patients
  • Folliculitis: Considered by some to be S. aureus impetigo of hair follicles
  • Ecthyma: A deeper, ulcerated impetigo infection often with lymphadenitis
  • System(s) affected: Skin/Exocrine
  • Synonym(s): Pyoderma; Impetigo ...

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See Also
Images >

impetigo elementary-school student with nasal and perioral papulovesicles and crusting

Courtesy of Jeremy Golding, MD

DDx/Tx Algorithms >
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